First time posting and traveling to Spain with my daughter who is on a gap year. I will be in Cadiz for about 4 days and am bringing her along for her first overseas trip. She has an interest in photography and marketing and will head off to college next year. So the question I have is do we try to hit all three cities in a weeks time or just Seville and either Barcelona or Madrid? There seems to be so much to see and I think we will be back in the future, but I am not interested in having a rushed trip, but a relaxed and fun time with my daughter. Cheers and thanks for any advice. We will be traveling the first part of October.
Posted by
Phoenix, Arizona
46 posts
Based on the way you asked, I think you already know the answer deep down inside. Even with a fast train between Madrid and Barcelona, you'll take up a good chunk of one of your few remaining days, and will likely rush around to try to make your short time in each town worthwhile. I went with the "relaxed and fun time" approach on two trips with my son when he was that age, and I believe it resulted in more bonding and special memories than if we had crammed too much in. I also understand the urge to not miss anything and try to get everything possible in. In any event, enjoy your special time together.
Posted by
8244 posts
I don't recommend trying to cram your schedule for all three cities.
Stick to Seville and Madrid. However, add a day trip to amazing Toledo from Madrid. Toledo was the capital of Spain five hundred years ago before it was moved to Madrid. This intact Medieval city is special.
Posted by
California 🦋
5293 posts
I will be in Cadiz for about 4 days and am bringing her along for her first overseas
When during your trip will you be in Cadiz?
How many nights will you have before/ after the 4 days in Cadiz, 7 or 8?
What airports are you flying to/from?
Madrid or Seville?
Consider splitting your week between Sevilla (4N) and Córdoba (2-3N), or Sevilla (4N) and Toledo (2-3N)
Enjoy your trip and make wonderful memories with your daughter!
Posted by
OP
Virginia
2 posts
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I should have been a bit clearer in my post. We will be flying into Sevilla and then headed to Cadiz area for work. After that, we will have about 6-7 days for travel, but need to take my rental car back up to Sevilla. I had planned to stay in Sevilla for 2-3 days then head to Madrid. So from the advice, 3-4 days in Madrid, including Toledo will be plenty to keep the itinerary full. Is it worth staying overnight in Toledo? Recommendations? Now it is figuring out how to pack since all of my previous travel in Europe was with a backpack on my own. Cheers!
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
492 posts
Just say no.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
No idea what davebarnes “just say no” comment has anything to do with your question.
I feel Toledo is worth more than a day trip. On a couple trips we stayed at Hotel María Cristina. If you still have the rental car, it has its own parking garage. From it to the escalator to the upper town is about a 15 minutes walk. On an upcoming trip we’re staying at the Parador a couple miles outside of town, but with great views of it. We use Toledo as a place to get over jet lag before continuing our trip.
Posted by
Denver, CO
796 posts
I have reservations at the Medina Mudejar hotel in Toledo this November. It gets great reviews and the rooms look very atmospheric.
However, the biggest bonus is that they have Arab Baths, and an hour is included each day you stay!